Coleman, Richard

File Format:

Richard Coleman came from Odessa, TX in the 1970s to work at a chemical plant in Houston, TX. He discusses his experiences with tensions surrounding labor unions, both in Houston and in Odessa. Coleman talks about his life during a 72-day labor strike while trying to create a labor contract between the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union and the chemical plant in Houston. He recounts how the union and strikers dealt with lost income, extra jobs, picket duty, and the creation of a strike fund. He also discusses an earlier experience as a contract worker for a construction company in Odessa during a labor union strike